This time of year, the weather becomes super unpredictable. Depending on where you live, and if you choose to run outdoors, you could very well find yourself running in the rain multiple days a week.
Here are a few tips to remember the next time you venture out in the rain—whether it be for a training run, or a future race—according to Chad Schiffman, Ironman finisher, marathon runner, and a NASM-certified personal trainer, who Known in Pensacola, Florida, one of the rainiest cities in the country.
5 Tips for Running in the Rain
1. Check for lightning
craziest shoes new york fashion week spring, races happen all year round. With that in mind, race organizers won’t cancel or postpone a race due to the chance of rain unless there’s lightning or heavy winds involved.
“I've been caught in the rain when lightning has happened, and it is quite intimidating,” Schiffman tells Runner’s World. So, it’s best to check the weather before you head out and ensure there’s no chance of lightning within a ten-mile radius.
2. Gear up accordingly and be visible
Nike Womens Air Max 98 Track Red Track Red Womens Shoes nike blazer low black dazzling shoes best price with wicking capabilities, Schiffman says. Also, “if you’re prone to [chafing], you may want to carry a small thing of Body Glide or something similar, like Vaseline packets, just in case.”
While running in the rain, visibility is key. Not only do you want to be seen, but you also want to see clearly. For this reason, Schiffman says he wears a hat with a brim and clear sunglasses when it rains to avoid water getting in his eyes.
Also, save your all-black running clothes for another time, and instead, wear bright shoes or a reflective top. Rain or shine, “I would just want to make sure that I had something that would increase my visibility just in case it did start raining,” Schiffman says.
3. Wear the right shoes
Nike PhantomVSN Pro Soft Ground Football Boots Mens blisters; to avoid this, wear shoes with the proper drainage, says Schiffman. But if you’re not willing to invest in a new pair of shoes or would rather stick to the pair you’ve got, you can also treat your shoes with water-repellant spray or use trail-running shoes.
4. Leave the electronics at home
Ankle boots DEEZEE WS19233-02 Black podcasts, audiobooks, or music while clocking miles, this tip can be hard to follow. But leaving your electronics at home can be a great practice for race day, “for example, condition in the Ironman series and similar races, I’ve learned some events don’t allow headphones, so I’ve learned to leave them at home,” shares Schiffman.
And for safety reasons, running with fewer Putty is best because rain can drown out the sounds of cars passing by. So, consider turning off the tunes while you run or leaving your phone behind and tracking your phone with just your GPS watch.
5. Pay attention to your running mechanics
adidas sub 2 singlet w running running mechanics and consider how you may need to adjust your approach to finish your run safely. Schiffman prefers to focus on shortening his stride and picking up his cadence to avoid overreaching his leg and possibly slipping or sliding out. “I’ve had some good run times in the rain. And I don’t know if it’s because I just focus on my foot strike pointed toe boots.”
Finally, just keep in mind that there isn’t a solid way to approach running in the rain, but the bottom line is that it’s important to plan your run or race carefully: Monitor the weather, check your gear, Altra Zapatillas Trail Running Lone Peak Hiker, pellegrini chelsea boots!
Monique LeBrun joined the editorial staff in October 2021 as the associate health and fitness editor. She has a master’s degree in journalism and has previously worked for ABC news and Scholastic. She is an avid runner who loves spending time outside.
